Abrams traces the historical development of convulsive therapy and explores its physiological, ethical, political, biochemical, neuroanatomical, and clinical aspects. He covers such diverse topics as the prediction of treatment response, the results of sham ECT studies, patients attitudes towards the treatment, neuropsychological and cognitive effects, the nature of ECT stimulus, medico-legal considerations, and theories concerning its mechanism of action. in full accordance with the American Psychiatric Associations guidelines for the practice of ECT, this essential resource remains the primary reference and guide for those who practice, perform, or assist with ECT.